Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is introducing an exciting collection of new itineraries for the 2027/2028 season, once again offering even the most seasoned travellers fresh ways to explore the world. Staying true to its pioneering spirit, the cruise line is charting courses beyond the traditional cruise routes with its fleet of five intimate luxury and expedition ships. With more than 500 different ports of call every year, exclusive maiden calls and carefully crafted voyages, guests can experience both iconic destinations and hidden gems from an entirely new perspective.
The new programme combines world-famous highlights with lesser-known regions, bringing together culture, nature, fine dining and authentic local experiences. From the tropical islands of the Philippines and the Indian Ocean to North America’s Great Lakes, Antarctica and the remote Kimberley region of Western Australia, every itinerary has been designed for travellers seeking extraordinary journeys.
New Horizons for the Luxury Fleet
EUROPA and EUROPA 2 continue to set the standard for luxury cruising by combining exceptional service, world-class gastronomy and immersive cultural experiences. Thanks to their smaller size, both ships can access ports that are beyond the reach of larger cruise vessels, opening up unique destinations and exclusive experiences.
One of the season’s highlights is a brand-new 29-day voyage along the Pacific coast of the Americas aboard EUROPA. For the first time, this itinerary connects South, Central and North America in a single journey through eight countries. Sailing from Valparaíso via Peru and Costa Rica to San Francisco, the voyage culminates with the spectacular passage beneath the Golden Gate Bridge. Along the way, guests experience vibrant cities, breathtaking landscapes and an impressive variety of cultures.
In 2028, EUROPA will also explore the Philippines more extensively than ever before. Two consecutive cruises feature thirteen port calls across ten destinations, allowing guests to discover the remarkable diversity of the archipelago. From bustling Manila to secluded islands and hidden bays accessible only to smaller ships, the itinerary offers an in-depth exploration of one of Southeast Asia’s most captivating destinations. Mantigue Island will also welcome EUROPA for the very first time.
EUROPA 2 introduces equally remarkable new routes. A brand-new South Pacific voyage takes guests to the remote islands of Papua New Guinea and Palau, regions renowned for their untouched landscapes, rich cultures and exceptional biodiversity. Early in 2028, the ship will also embark on a new itinerary along Costa Rica’s Pacific coastline. First-time calls at destinations including Isla Tortuga and Puerto Jiménez showcase the country’s extraordinary biodiversity through rainforests, mangroves, national parks and idyllic beaches. Guests will experience Costa Rica’s natural beauty through rainforest walks, wildlife encounters in Manuel Antonio National Park and relaxing days on pristine Pacific shores.
Expedition Cruising Beyond the Ordinary
The expedition ships HANSEATIC nature, HANSEATIC inspiration and HANSEATIC spirit also feature several remarkable new itineraries that venture far beyond conventional cruise routes. Accommodating no more than 230 guests, these state-of-the-art expedition vessels combine immersive nature experiences with Zodiac excursions and flexible itineraries that only smaller ships can offer.
A particularly exciting premiere awaits HANSEATIC nature. For the first time, the ship will spend the Northern Hemisphere winter in the Indian Ocean instead of the polar regions. Madagascar, the Seychelles and Mauritius provide the backdrop for expeditions to remote islands, uninhabited atolls and colourful coral reefs. Guided by experienced experts, guests can discover the region’s exceptional flora and fauna during beach walks, snorkelling excursions and Zodiac cruises.
The polar regions remain at the heart of the expedition programme. To complement its portfolio, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has introduced three new compact 14-day expeditions to South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula in early 2028. These voyages focus entirely on extraordinary wildlife encounters, spectacular ice landscapes and unforgettable experiences among penguins, elephant seals and whales.
Another world first comes aboard HANSEATIC inspiration. During the summer of 2027, the ship will become the only cruise vessel to combine all five North American Great Lakes with a full transit of the St Lawrence River in a single voyage. Thanks to its specially engineered retractable bridge wings, the ship can navigate the region’s many locks, connecting cities such as Toronto, Montréal and Québec with picturesque coastal towns and islands.
In May 2028, HANSEATIC spirit will set course for the remote Kimberley region of Western Australia. Towering red sandstone cliffs, dramatic gorges, ancient Aboriginal rock art and spectacular waterfalls, including King George Falls, make this one of the world’s most breathtaking expedition destinations. Combined with outstanding wildlife viewing from the ship and during Zodiac excursions, Kimberley promises an unforgettable adventure.
Selected Itineraries for 2027/2028
Travellers can experience these new itineraries on a variety of exceptional voyages. A 29-day cruise aboard EUROPA sails from Valparaíso to San Francisco between 17 February and 18 March 2027, with fares starting from €12,792 per person (double occupancy, SILVER fare, cruise only, excluding travel to and from the embarkation and disembarkation ports).
Another highlight is the 16-day voyage from Ho Chi Minh City to Hong Kong aboard EUROPA, departing between 14 February and 1 March 2028. This itinerary offers an extensive exploration of the Philippines and is available from €8,220 per person in the PLATINUM fare, including the early booking discount.
Aboard EUROPA 2, guests can discover Papua New Guinea and Palau on a 22-day voyage from Lautoka (Fiji) to Hong Kong, sailing from 7 to 29 April 2027. Fares start from €9,990 per person in the SILVER fare.
Nature lovers can also choose the new 13-day roundtrip from Panama City aboard EUROPA 2, departing between 7 and 20 January 2028. This Costa Rica itinerary is available from €9,770 per person in the PLATINUM fare.
HANSEATIC nature offers a 12-day expedition from Mauritius to Mahé (Seychelles) between 3 and 15 January 2028, with fares starting from €7,970 per person.
HANSEATIC inspiration sails a 14-day Antarctica expedition roundtrip from Ushuaia between 11 and 25 February 2028, with prices from €14,220 per person. The ship will also operate a unique 21-day voyage from Halifax to Milwaukee via all five Great Lakes and the St Lawrence River between 10 September and 1 October 2027, with fares starting from €15,490 per person.
Finally, HANSEATIC spirit explores Western Australia’s spectacular Kimberley coast during an 18-day expedition roundtrip from Darwin between 4 and 22 May 2028. This extraordinary voyage is available from €13,240 per person.
Photo credit Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.
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